Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 11: The cost of preparing both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals at home increased by 2 percent in April compared to the same period last year, mainly driven by soaring tomato prices and higher cooking fuel expenses, according to the latest Roti Rice Rate report released by Crisil Intelligence.

The report stated that tomato prices surged by 38 percent year-on-year after production declined due to reduced cultivation acreage in several southern states. Alongside this, the prices of vegetable oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders also climbed by 7 percent each, influenced by global supply pressures and market uncertainties.

According to Pushan Sharma, the increase in the cost of household meals reflects the combined impact of rising vegetable, edible oil and cooking fuel prices.

Crisil also warned that tomato prices may continue to remain elevated in the coming months and could rise further during July and August. The report linked this possibility to lower summer sowing activity, weak market sentiment among farmers and the risk of heatwave conditions affecting major tomato-producing regions in northern India.

The analysis further highlighted concerns regarding onion and potato prices. Onion prices are expected to stay high because of an estimated 4 to 6 percent decline in rabi crop production this year. Meanwhile, potato prices may also increase gradually as the harvesting season ends and supplies begin moving from cold storage facilities into the open market.

The report added that vegetable oil prices are likely to remain firm in the near future due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which continue to disrupt global supply chains and create uncertainty in international markets.

However, Crisil noted that pulses prices may provide some relief to consumers. Adequate availability, weaker demand, favourable import conditions, release of government buffer stocks and stable domestic arrivals are expected to keep pulse prices relatively soft despite lower domestic production levels.